Which protocol is commonly used for secure network communication?

SSH, or Secure Shell, is widely recognized as the protocol used for secure network communication. It provides a secure channel over an unsecured network by employing encryption to protect data. SSH is commonly utilized for accessing remote servers securely, allowing for command-line interface access while ensuring that all data transmitted is encrypted, which helps prevent eavesdropping, connection hijacking, and other attacks on the communication line.

This protocol not only encrypts the actual communication but also authenticates the identity of the connecting parties, adding an additional layer of security. SSH is preferred in many networking environments due to its robust security features compared to other protocols that may lack adequate measures for protecting data integrity and confidentiality.

In contrast, protocols like HTTP are not secure as they transmit data in plaintext, making it vulnerable to interception. FTP also lacks built-in security features and often transmits data unencrypted. IPX, while a networking protocol used in older networks, does not inherently provide secure communication capabilities. Therefore, SSH stands out as the primary choice for establishing secure communications in network environments.